Lisa Barger

My reading of The Mysterious Affair At Styles began on January 1st, 2024. I chose the audiobook version performed by Richard Armitage in 2020.

Styles was Agatha Christie’s first published novel and her first to feature Poirot. I think it was fitting that it was my first Christie novel. And, actually, this was a re-read for me. I’d listened to Armitage’s performance last January so I was already familiar with the story.

The Story In The Mysterious Affair At Styles

Army Captain Arthur Hastings is convalescing at the country estate of his old friend John Cavendish when he happens upon his old friend, Hercule Poirot. Poirot was once a celebrated policeman in Belgium but now lives in England as a World War I refuge.

Soon after Hastings’s arrival at Styles, John’s stepmother–and holder of the estate’s purse strings-Emily, dies a painful and horrifying death from strychnine poisoning. John, who stands to inherit the property and the family’s various businesses, is immediately suspected, as his brother, Lawrence and Emily’s new husband, Alfred Inglethorp.

For a while, the case against John looks bleak but Poirot ultimately clears him–at least far as the court is concerned. But if John is, in fact, not guilty of poisoning his step-mother, who is? In a family in which everyone has a secret, Poirot has his work cut out for him.

My Thoughts On The Mysterious Affair At Styles

This was, as I said earlier, a re-read (or a re-listen, actually) of this novel and I’m glad I went back over it instead of moving on to The Murder On The Links. Though it is isn’t huge, there is a sizable cast here and re-listening let me relax and enjoy the story instead of fighting to keep everyone (and their secrets) straight in my mind.

I love that we meet Poirot, Hastings and Japp all together in the first novel. They’re quite the trio and their adventuress together feel completely organic.

I also love that Christie avoided the bungling policeman trope with Japp. He may not be the best at thinking outside of the box but he’s a smart, experienced investigator who both trusts his own abilities and knows better than to get in Poirot’s way. And I love that Japp isn’t afraid to poke a pin in Poirot’s inflated ego now and then.

The Mysterious Affair At Styles is a great mystery read, even more than 100 years after it was first published. My version was performed by Richard Armitage, who did an amazing job performing the various characters.

To anyone considering dipping their toes (or ears) into Poirot, I suggest that you get your hands on a hard copy of the novel, even if you’re enjoying the audiobook. The map that should be included in your paperback or hardback will really help you visualize the scene. And if you’re unfamiliar with British English, having the story’s text readily available just might help reduce the number of times you need to pause, rewind and restart a particular sentence.

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